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Importance

To assist in HPS in quality improvement activities, and determine which services would better be implemented by HPS to achieve better clinical outcomes to patients.

Story behind the numbers

In relation to being dispatched as a life-threatening emergency, most events attended by the Hamilton Paramedic Service do not require the use of emergency warning systems transporting to hospital. This is a result of the MOHLTC dispatch algorithm being overly sensitive, therefore having HPS respond to low acuity calls with emergency warning systems. This leads to an inefficient use of resources and contributes to ambulances being dispatched to the wrong emergencies.

Performance improvements

Through its Community Paramedic program, HPS continues to review low acuity calls for quality improvement opportunities. The Community Paramedic will focus on providing preventative health care services to specified clients at their home prior to having to use 911.